Pressure transducer positioning system

ABSTRACT

An optical system for positioning a pressure transducer relative to a patient to provide for accurate measurement of bodily fluids within the patient. A light source such as a laser is used to direct light onto a specified location on the human body to accurately identify the elevation of the transducer relative to the specified location to provide an absolute measurement of fluid pressure.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/612,338 filed on Mar. 6, 1996 and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,083 which is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S. Ser. No. 08/198,838 filed on Feb. 18, 1994 and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,657, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During medical procedures as well as pre and post operation conditions, monitoring of fluid pressure within the patient is necessary in conjunction with the assessment of the patient care and treatment. The fluid pressure monitoring is most commonly arterial blood pressure, but knowledge concerning intracranial fluid pressure, venous pressure, and intraheart pressure also can provide important insight into a patient's current condition. One of the most effective devices for these types of measurements is a pressure transducer directly communicating with the particular bodily fluid of interest. Typically, the patient is catheterized and a tube, usually containing saline fluid pressure, provides a fluid communication path between the bodily fluid and the pressure transducer. Then, the electrical impulses generated by the pressure transducer, which are a function of the bodily fluid pressure, are displayed by a monitor or other display device to monitor specific body functions.

The transducer housing is usually mounted in close proximity to the patient on an I.V. pole with the I.V. bag providing the saline solution. If the user desires only information regarding the dynamics of the bodily fluid pressure, then the pressure transducer can be mounted virtually anywhere vertically on the I.V. pole. If the user, however, desires to monitor the absolute pressure of the bodily fluid, then the pressure transducer must be mounted in a fixed relationship to the patient. For example, if arterial pressure is to be monitored, then the pressure transducer must be mounted approximately at the level of the heart.

A continuing need exists to provide accurate reproducible methods for monitoring hemodynamic pressure. Variations in the position of the sensor system relative to the patient continue to result in improper assessment of the patient's condition which may adversely affect decisions regarding the course of treatment including selection of medications administered to adjust fluid pressure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mounting assembly on which pressure transducers can be mounted and used to accurately measure blood pressure within human or animal bodies. A preferred embodiment utilizes a light source on the mounting assembly that emits light that is directed by the user at an object to accurately position pressure transducers that are positioned in a fixed relationship relative to the light source. As the transducers are, for many applications, aligned with a horizontal plane extending through the middle of the patient's heart, the light source can be directed by the user at the patient's heart to provide the necessary alignment.

Currently, the user simply aligns the transducer with the patient's body using his or her eye. However for a large number of patients and operating conditions, for every inch of misplacement of the transducer relative to the mid-heart plane, there is a difference in measured pressure in the range of 2-9 mm of mercury. The present invention is used to prevent the inaccuracies associated with this procedure to provide a more dependable and reproducible measurement of arterial or fluid pressure.

A preferred embodiment of the invention uses a light weight battery powered laser mounted on a molded plastic assembly as a light source. The plastic assembly is mountable on a standard IV pole and has a number of receiving members or connectors on which disposable pressure transducers are mounted.

The system can use a photodetector or light sensor to sense whether the beam of light emitted by the laser is directed at the desired location. The sensor can be positioned on the patient by the user and is connected by wire or wireless remote to an alarm or indicator circuit mounted on the frame that houses the laser. The sensor can also be mounted on the frame and used with a reflector located on the patient. An audible alarm or light indicator mounted on the frame can be used to signal the user that the patient or the transducer has moved out of position and requiring realignment of the patient relative to the transducer.

A circuit controlling operation of the laser can include switches to provide for continuous, periodically pulsed or manual operation of the light source.

Manually operated knobs can be incorporated into the mounting frame to level the frame relative to a horizontal plane. Standard levelers can be included in the frame so that the user can usually verify that the frame is level.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention a module can be attached to the rear of the transducer mounting plate. This module can be used to mount the transducer assembly to the I.V. pole and can house the light circuit and other circuit components. This system can be used with all available transducer systems, is inexpensive and does not interfere with standard operation of multi-transducer systems.

In one embodiment, the laser projects through a cavity in the support module. A cover is movable to block the light from hitting the sensor or target point and diffuses the light to illuminate by back light a level. The level is visible from above and opens to the cavity.

The above and other features of the invention including various novel details of construction and combinations of parts will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular transducer mounting plate embodying the invention is shown by way of illustration and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed and varied in numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the pressure transducer and associated devices in relation to the patient;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of four typical pressure transducers on mounting plate or frame;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the transducer mounting plate of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the mounting plate;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the mounting plate;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a rear mounting module in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the module depicted in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a rear partial perspective view of a mounting plate connected to the module shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the support module and mounting plate assembly of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the support module and mounting plate assembly;

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the support module;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a support module and mounting plate of another embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a front view of the transducer mounting plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is the general configuration for monitoring blood pressure of a patient 15 using one or more pressure transducers. Here, an I.V. bag 32 containing saline solution is hung from an I.V. pole 34. The flow of the saline solution is provided through the transducers 24 to the patient via the saline tube 23. On this tube 23, a fluid flow restricter 21 and flusher are placed so that the flow level can be controlled and the system flushed out. Also in line, between the patient and the I.V. bag, each transducer 24 is positioned connecting a first saline tube 23, I.V. side, to a second saline tube, on the patient side of the transducer. Each transducer 24 is electrically connected to a blood pressure monitor 20 via a connecting wire 22 so that the pressure monitored by each transducer can be displayed to the user.

A transducer, configured as described above, is capable of monitoring blood pressure based upon the principle that the pressure of the saline solution in the saline tube, patient side, fluctuates as a function of the blood pressure at the vascular position in which the catheter 30 is lodged. More specifically, the hemodynamic pressures generated by the pumping action of the heart are transmitted through the blood within the patient's body, through the catheter 30, and into the saline tube. A light source 14, such as a laser, is used to generate a beam of light directed along an optical path 18 to a desired location 16 on the patient 15. Catheters 30 are inserted at various locations including the neck 26 or arm 28 to monitor different locations.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a more detailed perspective view of the transducer housing 38 and support plate 12 is illustrated. The support plate 12 is provided with mechanical connections capable of being connected to the I.V. pole 34. A level indication 62 is provided on this support plate 12 to indicate the proper level of the transducers 24 in relation to the mid-level of the patient heart. The transducer housing 38 comprises a fluid connection inlet port 30 for connecting to the saline tube, I.V. bag side. A fluid connection outlet port 32 then connects to the saline tube, patient side. Connecting the inlet 30 and outlet 32 ports is a duct 34 housed within each transducer housing. The saline solution within this duct 34 has a pressure which pulsates in response to the blood pressure. Each transducer 24 is housed in fluid communication with this duct 34, and moves a plate across an electrical assembly which generates an electrical signal that is a function of the pressure of the saline solution. A number of commercially available transducers can be used with the present invention.

The transducer also has a flow valve 36 connected to it for controlling the flow of saline solution through the duct. That is, if there is blood backflow through the saline tube, patient side, then the flow valve 36 can be actuated by the user to purge the duct and the saline tubes of blood. The transducer housing 38 is supported on the support plate 12 which has a plurality of notched flanges 39 to receive the transducer housing 38. To mount the transducer housing 38 to the support plate 12, the transducer housing 38 is aligned with the flanges 39 of the support plate 12 and slid in a downward direction into position. Finally, an electrical socket provides an electrical connection to the blood pressure monitor so that the electrical power is supplied to the transducer 24 and impulses generated by the transducer 24 can be transmitted to the monitor.

As explained above, the support plate has a level indication 62 which is aligned with the level of the patient's heart so that the transducer can obtain an accurate absolute measurement of the pressure within the carotid artery. Typically in operation, the user must lower his head to the level of the level indication and then visually align it with a region on the patient's side that corresponds to the approximate mid-level of the heart. This mode of operation presents a number of problems. First, in the close quarters of the usual operating room, many times there is insufficient space next to the I.V. pole for the user to perform visual alignment. Moreover, even if this can be performed, the visual alignment technique is subject to inaccuracies arising out of improper lining up of the level indication which may be four feet or more from the patient. Finally, if the support plate should become jarred or misaligned during operation or if the patient is moved, there is no way to confirm its proper alignment from the standing position or from the other side of the patient.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the transducer mounting plate 12 constructed according to the principles of the present invention. More specifically, the front of the transducer plate is provided with four regions 40, 42, 43, 44 for mounting four different pressure transducers by adhesive, the flange 39 and slot technique described above or other suitable means. Each one of the four corresponding transducers is connected to monitor blood pressure from a different point in the patient. The plate or frame 12 can include a light indicator 52 or audible alarm 54 connected to a sensor 56 if the sensor detects misalignment of the optical path with the desired location 16. The sensor can measure light returning from a reflector positioned at 16. Alternatively the sensor can be positioned at the location 16. A switch 50 can select continuous, intermittent or manual operation of the light source and the circuit 68 within the housing. A manual knob 48 can be used to level the plate 12 relative to the horizontal plane.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the transducer mounting plate 12. Here, two liquid tube levels 60, 62 are provided at opposite lateral ends of the plate so that the plate, and consequently the transducers themselves, can be leveled from a standing position. Further, a 0.5-5 mW laser pointer 14 generates a collimated beam of light parallel to the level line of the level tubes along optical path 18. Mounting bracket 64 connects the plate 12 to the I.V. pole with a pair of attachment clips 66.

Finally, FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view showing the laser pointer 14 disposed below the liquid level tubes 62. Projecting from the front plate are transducer manifolds 39 for communicating with slots formed in the transducer bases to support the transducers. Extending from the rear of the transducer plate, an I.V. pole clamp 64 is attachable to an I.V. pole 34.

In operation of the present invention, the transducer plate is first leveled using the level tubes. This can be easily accomplished from the standing position while rotating the transducer plate. Once the transducer plate has been leveled, then its vertical location relative to the patient's heart can be determined by viewing the point of light generated by the laser on the patient's side. When this point of light is shining on the patient's side at the vertical position of the patient's heart, then the transducers of the transducer plate are properly positioned. As a result, not only can the alignment of the transducers be performed without squatting next to the I.V. pole, but the proper alignment of the transducer plate can be quickly confirmed during operation by simply inspecting the status of the level tubes and then the position of the light spot of the patient's side.

The transducers 24 are used to measure standard arterial pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, occluded pulmonary pressure, right atrial/central venous pressure, and left atrial/pressure, for example. These measurements are commonly used to diagnosis the patient's condition and determine what medications and how much of these should be administered to the patient. The user can inject medications directly into the lines used to monitor fluid pressure in many applications.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention can be used in conjunction with existing mounting plate assemblies without interfering with their current methods of monitoring fluid pressure. In this embodiment the light source, level, and clamp are included in a single assembly that attaches to the back of existing transducer mounting plates. In this way, the system does not interfere with set up and use of the pressure monitoring system, does not require alterations to be made to the system, can be balanced prior to installation to minimize the risk of angular misalignment, is rigidly aligned in the vertical direction relative to the transducers thereby avoiding possible vertical misalignment by the user, and is readily accessible by the user.

The rear mounted module is illustrated in FIG. 6-8. In FIG. 6, the support module 70 can be attached to the rear 98 of the mounting plate 12. The module includes a cavity 85 in which a light source such as a laser 94 is mounted. The cavity can also retain a housing in which the laser 94, a level 78, a lamp 84 that illuminates the level 78, and a switch 80 having "on" and "off" positions, are configured. Both the lamp 84 and the laser 94 are actuated by the switch 80. Holes 76 extending through one end of the module 70 are used to attach the module to the rear of the mounting plate 12. The plate 12 has a rib 96 extending horizontally which can mate with slot 86 in the module 70. At the opposite end of the module 70 is a holder 72 including a threaded hole 88 used to secure the module 70 to an I.V. pole 90 or other mechanism used to vertically position plate 12. The holder 72 has an opening 92 on one side through which the pole 90 is inserted.

By hand adjustment of a bolt the user can move the plate 12 and the module 70 in the vertical direction along pole 90 so that the mounting plate 70 and transducers can be translated relative to the patient. In another embodiment, a second finer adjustment can also be made along the vertical axis 95 with another mechanical actuator that can be incorporated into the module 70. The components of the module are positioned relative to center axis 77 to provide the desired balance to the system by locating the center of gravity of the module, as well as the plate 12 and transducer system, along the axis 77. This minimizes any torque on the mounting plate and helps to keep the mounting plate level during use.

The module can be a molded or machined plastic material. The laser, level and switch can be mounted in a single cavity 85 or attached to the module 70 in separate cavities 100 or mounting positions. As shown in the side view of FIG. 7, the laser 94 is directed along an output path from one longitudinal end of a light source housing 74. The housing 74 can include the level 78, the switch 80 and the lamp 84, as well as the laser 94. There can also be a plurality of levels attached to the module 70 in another embodiment. Holes 76 can be threaded so that bolts or thumb screws can be used to secure module 70 to the rear side 98 of plate 12. Plate 12 typically has several ribs on the rear side to strengthen the plate. The module 70 can be shaped to attach to any of these ribs. In FIG. 8, a horizontal rib 96 on plate 12 slides into the horizontal slot 86 in module 70.

The audible and/or visual alarm described previously to alert the user that the patient is no longer positioned properly relative to the transducer assembly, or that the assembly is no longer level, can be mounted on the module 70. The alarm can consist of a warning light that goes on (or off) when the unwanted condition occurs.

The module 70 can be powered by a battery within the housing 74, a battery in the module 70, along with a circuit connecting the components, or connector 102 can be used to electrically connect the module 70 or housing 74 to an outlet or other external source.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an alternative method of illuminating a level mounted in the assembly. In this embodiment, light from the light source illuminates a level by use of a reflecting element or mechanism which prevents the light from escaping the light source housing cavity and reflects it toward the level.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a preferred embodiment for the support module. Transducer housings 38 are attached to the mounting plate 12 by means of a plurality of notched flanges 39. A flow valve 36 is connected to each transducer 24 located within each transducer housing 38. The mounting plate 12 is attached to a support module 70. A light source 74 is mounted to the support module 70. A switch 80 allows operation of the light source 74. Actuating the switch 80 engages the light source 74 to operate in an "on" or an "off" mode. An opaque cover 120 is mounted to the support module 70 by use of a joining mechanism 124. The joining mechanism 124 can include, but is not limited to, a hinge joint or a swivel joint. The swivel joint can be provided using a screw, a pin, or a rivet to join the opaque cover 120 to the support module 70. In a preferred embodiment, a screw and washer is used to pivotally secure the opaque cover 120. When the opaque cover 120 is moved from direct alignment with the light source 74, or is in an open position, the light from the light source 74 can travel along its optic path 18. The optical positioning system has a level 78 mounted to the support module 70. The support module 70 is mounted to an I.V. pole using an adjustable leveling screw 128. The adjustable leveling screw 128 allows vertical movement of the support module 70.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the cavity 85 of the support module 70. A light source 74 is secured inside the cavity 85 such that the light emitting end 94 of the light source 74 is secured approximately three-quarters of the way inside the cavity 85. The level 78 is mounted above the portion of the cavity 85 that does not contain the light source 74. This mounting method allows the level 78 to be indirectly illuminated by the light source 74 in the cavity 85. The light source 74 is controlled by a switch 80.

In a preferred embodiment, an optically transparent cover 132 is mounted in the support module 70 at the open end of the cavity 85. The transparent cover 132 is mounted such that the outer face of the cover is flush with the outside surface of the support module 70. The transparent cover 132 may be manufactured from glass, although plastic is the preferred embodiment. The opaque cover 120 is mounted over the transparent cover 132 along the same axis as the transparent cover 132 by use of a joining mechanism 124.

The purpose of the opaque cover 120 is to provide a method for illuminating the level 78 mounted to the support module 70. The opaque cover 120 can be placed in an open position or a closed position by the user in order to illuminate the level 78. When the light source 74 is on and the opaque cover 120 is set in the open position, the light from the light source is allowed to travel along an optical path 18 towards the patient, and will not, or only partially, illuminate the level 78. The line representing the light is shown in phantom in FIG. 11. When the light source 74 is on and the opaque cover 120 is set in a closed position, the light from the light source 74 will reflect within the cavity and indirectly illuminate the level 78.

To provide operation of the optical positioning system on either side of a patient bed, in a preferred embodiment, the light source 74, switch 80, level 78, opaque cover 120, and transparent cover 132 are mounted to a common removable unit 126 on the support module 70 so that they can be removed from the support module 70 and reversed as a unit.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 12, to provide operation of the optical positioning system on either side of a patient bed, the optical positioning system is comprised of two separate components: one component 134 which is attached to an I.V. pole and a second component 136 which includes the light source 74, level 78, and opaque cover 120. The two components are connected by an internal joint 75, shown in hidden line, which allows the second component 136 to be rotated 180° relative to the first component 134 to provide operation of the support on either side of a patient bed. Included in this embodiment is a second level 79 mounted on the optical positioning system on the opposite side than that of the first level 78. This allows one level to be viewed easily by the user regardless of the side of the patient bed that the optical positioning system is used.

The second component 136 can be rotated relative to the first component 134 of support module 70 to level the light source 74. The light source 74 is leveled to ensure that the pressure transducers and the light source are at the same height as the location on the patient as in previous embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows the mounting plate 12. The front of the plate has several different areas for mounting pressure transducer housings 38. The transducer housings 38 are attached to the mounting plate 12 by means of a plurality of notched flanges 39. Each transducer housing 38 contains a fluid connection inlet port 30, a fluid connection outlet port 32, and a transducer 24 connected in fluid communication with a duct 34. The inlet 30 and outlet 32 ports are connected by the duct 34 housed within each transducer housing 38 and a flow valve 36. The flow valve 36 can be mounted either connecting the inlet port 30 to the duct 34 or connecting the outlet port 32 to the duct 34. When the flow valve 36 is mounted connecting the outlet port 32 to the duct 34, the flow valve 36 will be aligned with the path of the light source 74. When the flow valve 36 is mounted connecting the inlet port 30 to the duct 34, the flow valve 36 will not be aligned with the path of the light source 74. The flow valve 36, however, does not have to be on the exact path of the light source 74 in order for the invention to function properly. Prior to operation, each transducer 24 is zeroed by opening each flow valve 36 to the atmosphere. The subsequent transducer measurements are based upon the initial zero base reading of the transducers 24. Because of this, it is possible to have the flow valve 36 connected to either the inlet 30 or outlet 32 ports and not have flow valve 36 positioning affect pressure readings.

Equivalents

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described specifically herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the claims.

Those skilled in the art will know or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein.

These and all other equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. In combination, a plurality of bodily fluid pressure transducers and an optical positioning system for positioning the plurality of bodily fluid pressure transducers, said system comprising:a laser light source for directing light along an optical path; a frame on which the light source and the plurality of bodily fluid pressure transducers are mounted, the frame having a plurality of connectors to mount the plurality of bodily fluid pressure transducers in a fixed orientation relative to the optical path; and a level carried by the frame that indicates if the frame is level.
 2. The combination of claim 1 further comprising a deflecting mechanism that deflects light from the light source from the optical path to illuminate the level.
 3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the light source is located in a cavity in the frame.
 4. The combination of claim 3 wherein the cavity has an opening through which the light projects along the optical path.
 5. The combination of claim 4 wherein the deflecting mechanism is a cover for covering the opening and deflecting light from the light source from the optical path.
 6. The combination of claim 5 further comprising a switch that actuates the light source.
 7. The combination of claim 6 further comprising a transparent cover mounted on the opening of the cavity through which the light from the light source travels along the optical path.
 8. The combination of claim 5 wherein the frame includes a common reversible unit including the light source, the level, and the deflecting mechanism, the common reversible unit reversible relative to the frame.
 9. The combination of claim 1 further comprising a switch that actuates the light source.
 10. The combination of claim 1 wherein the frame includes a common reversible unit including the light source and the level, the common reversible unit being reversible relative to the frame.
 11. The combination of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a support module and a mounting surface.
 12. The combination of claim 11 wherein the support module has a first and second component which pivot relative to each other, the mounting surface carried by one component and the adjustable holder carried by the other component.
 13. An combination of claim 12 wherein the first and second components of the support module are connected by an internal joint.
 14. The combination of claim 12 wherein the frame includes a common reversible unit including the light source and the level, the common reversible unit reversible relative to the support module.
 15. The combination of claim 12 wherein the frame includes a common reversible unit including the light source, the level, and the deflecting mechanism, the common reversible unit reversible relative to the support module.
 16. In combination, a bodily fluid pressure transducer and an optical positioning system for the bodily fluid pressure transducer, said combination comprising:a frame having a first and second component; a cavity within the first frame component; a mounting surface carried by the first frame component; a pressure transducer attached to the mounting system; a level mounted over the cavity of the first frame component; a deflecting mechanism mounted coaxially with the cavity; a light source mounted within the cavity in the first frame component; a switch that actuates the light source; and an adjustable leveling screw mounted in the second frame component.
 17. The combination of claim 16 further comprising a transparent cover mounted coaxially with the cavity through which the light from the source travels along the optical path.
 18. The combination of claim 16 wherein the level, the light source, the deflecting mechanism, and the switch, are mounted to a common removable unit where the common removable unit is reversible relative to the first frame component.
 19. The combination of claim 17 wherein the level, the light source, the deflecting mechanism, the switch, and the transparent cover are mounted to a common removable unit where the common removable unit is reversible relative to the first frame component.
 20. A method for illuminating a level comprising:mounting a level over a cavity on a frame; mounting a laser light source within the cavity on the frame; closing a cover over an end of the cavity housing the light source; actuating a switch on the light source such that the light is in an on mode of operation; and deflecting the light off the cover to diffuse the light and illuminate the level.
 21. A method for leveling an optical positioning system comprising:mounting a level over a cavity on a frame; mounting a laser light source within the cavity on the frame; closing a cover over an end of the cavity housing the light source; actuating a switch on the light source such that the light is in an on mode of operation; illuminating the level; and adjusting an adjustable leveling screw located on the frame until the level indicates the optical positioning system is horizontal. 